Chess Puzzle #5qFMq — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d1; queen b4; rooks c1/e1; bishop e2; pawns a2/b2/f2/h2. Black: king f7; queen f5; rook c8; bishops d7/f8; pawns a7/b7/d5/e6/f6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxb7 — queen b4→b7, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxc1+ — rook c8→c1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxc1 (king d1→c1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Bh6+ — bishop f8→h6, gives check. Opponent replies f4 (pawn f2→f4).
4. Best move: Bxf4+ — bishop h6→f4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kd1 (king c1→d1).
5. Best move: Qb1# — queen f5→b1, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

attraction, exposed king, mate, mate in 4, middlegame, very long. The combination ends with Qb1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r2b2/pp1b1k2/4pp2/3p1q2/1Q6/8/PP2BP1P/2RKR3 w - - 2 25

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